Community and Society
El Pescador recognized as 2022 Orvis International Destination of the Year
Fly-fishing is a popular sport attracting thousands of anglers to Belize’s iconic Ambergris Caye every year. Among the different fly-fishing options on the island, one synonymous with Ambergris Caye is the El Pescador Lodge and Villas, located north of San Pedro Town. The lodge has developed an exemplary international reputation which continues to be recognized. Their hard work has again paid off, meriting the 2022 Orvis International Destination of the Year award recently presented at the annual Orvis Guide Rendezvous in Missoula, Montana, USA.
Business & Economy
Belize Port Authority addresses irregular water taxi fares
Pre-approved passenger fares for water taxis have been released by the Belize Port Authority, who states it has not approved an increase.
Travel & Tourism
BTB reminds tourists of key changes to entry requirements to Belize
Travelers planning to visit Belize in this post-pandemic time may not be fully aware of the changes made to the requirements to enter the country. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has listed five key entry requirements to remind visitors that the Jewel is fully open for tourism.
Community and Society
Carnival Sunrise celebrates Line’s 50th Birthday with stop in Belize during Sailabration Cruise
As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s year-long 50th birthday celebrations, Carnival Sunrise arrived in Belize on Tuesday, March 8th. To commemorate the festivities, Carnival Sunrise shipboard leaders presented a celebratory birthday cake to local officials from the Belize City Cruise Port.
Travel & Tourism
Long lines continue at international airport on weekends; visitors advised to pre-purchase new travel insurance
Saturdays are the busiest days at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), with as many as four international flights landing simultaneously. This results in long lines as passengers wait to get cleared through COVID-19 screenings, customs, and immigration. As of February 15th, another factor has been added to the entrance process, delaying clearance when travelers must purchase the new mandatory travel and health insurance at the airport.
Travel & Tourism
First day of travel insurance sees delays at PGIA
On Tuesday, February 15th, the Belize Travel Health Insurance (BTHI) for international visitors came into effect. The mandate implemented by the Ministry of Tourism saw some inconveniences on its first day at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), when a number of passengers arrived without insurance. This caused delays and even frustration among some travelers who needed to purchase the insurance at the airport. The process, since then, has reportedly improved, and most visitors seem to support the new policy.
Travel & Tourism
Tropic Air inaugurates non-stop flights between San Salvador, El Salvador, and Belize
On Friday, February 11th, Tropic Air Belize inaugurated its new non-stop service between Belize City, Belize to San Salvador, El Salvador. This is another milestone for the Belizean airline which currently flies to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. In celebration of this new service, a special introductory fare of US$99 each way plus taxes is available through February 28, 2022.
Travel & Tourism
Travel and Health insurance now available for purchase online
The policy is mandatory, costs US$18, and aims to protect travelers against medical and non-medical expenses incurred if an individual tests positive for COVID-19 during their visit to Belize. The insurance policy provides coverage for up to US$50,000 in medical expenses related to COVID for a period of 21 days. The insurance also provides up to US$2,000 for lodging expenses to cover quarantine. The new insurance also provides for emergency assistance services such as air evacuation, emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions, trip cancellations, and other expenses incurred by COVID-19, such as extended stays.